FILIPINO gamers get to learn from the best as Esportsplay Gaming formalized its tie-up with one of the world’s most formidable professional DOTA 2 teams in LGD.
The two groups officially merged Tuesday in a grand event to form LGD International which will scout, train, and coach core players from the Philippines and Southeast Asia to compete in The International (T.I), the biggest DOTA 2 tournament ever.
Esportsplay Gaming Chairman and CEO Ivan Angelo Cuevas and COO John Tse signed the contract along with LGD General Manager Pan Fei and LGD CEO Pan ‘Ruru’ Jie in formalizing the partnership during the launching dubbed ‘LGD International Launch Party: A Collab of LGD &Esportsplay Gaming’ at the Conrad Hotel.
“The country has produced many esports players. Esports Gaming is planning to solidify the Philippines in the Esports map with this collaboration with one of the best teams in the world,” said Cuevas.
“Forming one DOTA 2 team is just one vision for LGD International. With their experience training a team, I have all the confidence in the world to grow the esports community in the country,” Tse said for his part.
Fans, gamers, and Esports enthusiasts present during the event got the chance to face star players such as Ah Jit, Chuan, and Ruru in a friendly match.
“We hope we can bring the Philippines esports to higher level and help Filipino DOTA 2 players succeed in international tournaments,” said Ruru.
The friendly match was streamed online via Esportsplay Gaming’s Facebook page and Youtube account, that was made more exciting by shout casters and gaming influencers Sh1n Boo and Butters.
The National’s Justin Villaseran (Vill) and known caster from China’s The International C.C hosted the launch party.
Esports Gaming is eyeing to build LGD International’s training headquarters in Pampanga and soon, a gaming arena in Cebu, which is just the first step towards their mission to drive eSports forward by creating a talent training program and developing an ecosystem.